Opinions & Interviews

Krutoi: Belarus, Russia agree on uniform rules on key markets

Dmitry Krutoi. An archive photo

MINSK, 22 July (BelTA) – Belarus and Russia have agreed on uniform rules to be used on key markets starting from 2021, Belarusian Economy Minister Dmitry Krutoi told the Belarus 1 TV channel, BelTA has learned.

“We have managed to discuss everything we had planned at the meeting in Saint Petersburg. We had a frank and open conversation in the presence of the heads of state [Aleksandr Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin]. Experts reported on the progress made and on unresolved, sensitive issues across all areas of activity. The presidents gave their take on absolutely all matters. Some new initiatives were put forward, therefore together with our Russian colleagues we will discuss how to handle them as part of our integration program. The discussion is proceeding in a rather constructive way and over 80% of the program has been reconciled by now. Most importantly, we have worked out a uniform concept, a uniform approach to the entire work: these are roadmaps by November, the unified legislation by the middle of next year and the launch of the key markets using uniform rules starting from 2021,” Dmitry Krutoi said.

The minister noted that it is not only about the market of oil and gas, but also the market of industrial and agricultural products, transportation. “The ultimate goal is to give a company [no matter where it is registered – in Russia or Belarus] an opportunity to use uniform rules and uniform managerial solutions, uniform control systems, uniform integration information systems. The unified legislation as part of the roadmaps will become a prototype of  these unified markets,” Dmitry Krutoi said.

“Belarus has put forward a conceptual proposal to incorporate current issues into general talks. These issues include the price for gas, tax maneuver, access to Russian subsidy programs for our industrial goods, removal of restrictions on Belarusian agricultural products on the Russian market. By December this year which will mark the 20th anniversary of the Union State we should achieve meaningful results, so that the public will see that we are ready for the further deep integration,” Dmitry Krutoi underlined.

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